Smokey Three Bean Chilli

This lovely chilli is the vegan alternative to chilli con carne that has the meat eaters asking for more. It is a delicious smokey supper and despite being rather healthy, it is satisfying and filling. This is loved by adults and children alike, however if your kids aren’t keen on heat, then add then chilli at the end (if you aren’t keen, just omit it). This portion is more than enough for 6 adults. My family consists of two adults and two children so it makes two meals for us. I freeze half and indulge a cooking free night another time… I hope you enjoy

Serves 6 adults (or in my case makes two dinners for 2 adults and two children)

Freezes well

Ingredients

1 x onion

3 x carrots

2 x celery sticks

3 x cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon of red chilli or one chopped red chilli

2 tablespoons of olive oil

3 x bell peppers (I use a mixture of colours)

1 x tin of tomato puree (or 2 x tablespoons)

2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes

3 x teaspoons of smoked paprika

1 x teaspoon of chipotle paste

1 x 400g kidney beans

1 x 400g tin borlotti beans

1 x 400g tin black eyed beans

125ml glass of red wine

1 x teaspoon of sugar

1 x veggie stock cube

Salt and pepper to taste

3 x cubes of dark chocolate

Method

Chop onion, garlic, celery and carrots finely. I use my food processor, but you could grate or just chop as small as possible. The aim with this is to bulk the dish out and give it flavour. Chunky veg is a no.

Cut pepper is to 1 inch pieces

Heat the oil in a large (preferably non-stick) pan

Tip in the onion, celery, carrot and garlic mixture

Cook until the vegetables soften, this will take about 15 minutes

In the meantime open your tins of tomatoes and beans, drain and rinse the beans

When the veg has softened add the peppers to the pan and cook for a couple off minutes

Stir in smoked paprika

Stir in the tomato puree and, if using, the chipotle paste and cook for a few minutes

Add the chopped tomatoes, wine, beans, stock cube and stir well

Add the sugar and dark chocolate and stir well

Bring to the boil.

At this point I either: transfer to a slow cooker for several hours, transfer to an over proof dish and cook on gas mark 7 for about 90 minutes, cook on the hob on a low hear for 90 minutes.

If using the oven or hob method, I stir occasionally

The finish result is a thick rich chilli

Serve with rice or tortilla chips and cheese

I always make my fresh guacamole to accompany this dish but sour cream is great too